Simple solvent-free preparation, characterization and investigation of photocatalytic behavior of nanostructured Nd2O3

Nanostructured Nd2O3 was synthesized through a simple solvent-free way. Nd2O3 nanostructures were produced via heat treatment in air, applying powder, which was synthesized via a solvent-less solid-state reaction from [Nd L(NO3)2]NO3 (L = bis-( 2-hydroxynaphthaldehyde)-ethylenediamine), as neodymium precursor and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as capping agent. The as-produced nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The obtained results revealed that applying of different dosage of SDS is suitable choice for synthesis of nanostructured Nd2O3 with various morphologies. The photocatalytic behavior of as-produced Nd2O3 was also evaluated by degradation of erythrosine as organic pollutant under ultraviolet light illumination.